-Would a $6 million dollar Brandon sign boost tourism? That’s the question city council is deliberating at its budget meetings. A $6 million dollar sign spelling out the word “Brandon” in capital letters, is on the budget table. A sign that tourists could take pictures with. Mayor Jeff Fawcett, says this $6 million dollar sign could be located at the Keystone Centre, Riverbank Discovery Centre, or on the North Hill. The city says similar signage in other Canadian cities have boosted tourism.
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-Westman firefighting departments are getting an $11.4 million dollar boost, thanks to the Provincial government. The Kinew government is fast-tracking 22 firefighter projects, the town of Virden will receive the largest support at $1.5 million dollars, followed by Gilber Plains, Hamiota, Other municipalities include Ellice-Archie, Norfolk-Treherne, Russell-Binscarth, Minnedosa, and Souris-Glenwood at $162,500.
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-Premier Wab Kinew says A major Canadian energy company is wants to set up shop, in the Port of Churchill. Kinew says no company name will be released just yet, but says it could include a potential pipeline and a terminal. The Manitoba government announced $51 million last year for improvements to the rail line and a new critical-minerals storage facility at the port.
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-Doctors Manitoba wants to go high-tech to cut out the paperwork, to help reduce burnout, and improve patient care. In its’ report released yesterday from Doctors Manitoba, physicians are spending over 10 hours a week on paperwork, losing more than 100 thousand hours a year, because of fax-based referrals. So far, there has been no response from the Province.
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-Brandon Crime Stoppers received 364 anonymous tips last year, which is slightly higher than usual 300 tips. The Brandon Sun is reporting that most of the tips, involve arrest warrants, drug offences and theft, with the goal of “taking care of crime”. Police and city officials say Crime stoppers’ success is dependent on cooperation between the public, police and media. An appreciation luncheon was held yesterday at the Victoria Inn.
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-Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre will address delegates at the party’s Calgary convention today, as he attempts to remain the leader, before a mandatory leadership review vote. His speech will focus on immigration, crime, affordability, and western alienation, highlighting gains made under his leadership, after losing his seat and the last election. Delegates will vote by secret ballot after the speech, with results expected later in the evening.
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-A Winnipeg doctor is being reprimanded by Manitoba’s physician regulator for professional misconduct with 5 patients, including not performing physical exams, and refusing prescriptions. She also admits to falsifying a medical record, and misleading Manitoba’s College of Physicians and Doctors during investigations in 2021 and 2022. She will practice under supervision with restrictions, report regularly to the college, and pay $30 thousand dollars for investigation costs.
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-Can we classify these meetings as “treason”? A Canadian Sovereignty group of the Alberta separatists movement, met with a Trump team in the US, in January. Is it “treason”? BC’s Premier says yes, but both the Prime minister, and the Alberta Premier disagree. This Alberta independence movement is collecting signatures in an attempt to initiate a referendum on whether Alberta should separate from Canada.
